Stress is an normal emotional response to the demands of life. Everyone experiences it, and the results range in intensity from being in a foul mood to more complicated illnesses. In fact, it is estimated that 75 percent to 90 percent of all illnesses are stress related. Learning to manage stress can help you live…
April 7 is World Health Day, a celebration of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). As we look at communications efforts to raise awareness about this year’s theme of high blood pressure and to change behaviour to help prevent it, we’re reminded of some valuable lessons we’ve learned from women in Guatemala about…
A brisk walk may be just as good as a run for keeping the heart healthy. That’s encouraging, considering less than half of Americans meet the government’s recommendation of at least 2.5 hours of moderate to intense aerobic exercise a week. A new study published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and…
It’s impossible to disconnect our individual health from our community’s health. When it comes to good health, a rising tide lifts all boats. And public health systems work to carefully monitor that tide, pinpointing choppy waters and struggling vessels and taking action to ensure that all boats have an opportunity to sail smoothly to healthier…
OK, you probably haven’t noticed, but April 1-7 2013 is National Public Health Week. The American Public Health Association is leading this week’s recognition and has created the above-linked spiffy website. Lots of Schools and some cities and towns are noting and doing something special this week. Though the Massachusetts Public Health Association seems not…
We know that walking can burn calories, ward off obesity and reduce the risk of heart disease — but your afternoon stroll might also have significant stress-relieving benefits, according to numerous studies. With the arrival of spring (and the start of National Stress Awareness Month), April is the perfect time to get active and healthy…
As the nation’s doctor, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin yesterday prescribed new medicine to keep Americans healthy: walking. In a video address marking the start of National Public Health Week, the surgeon general announced the launch of the “Everybody Walks” campaign. The new national initiative, which will encourage citizens to take steps toward better health, supports…
Scientists have known for some time that the human brain’s ability to stay calm and focused is limited and can be overwhelmed by the constant noise and hectic, jangling demands of city living, sometimes resulting in a condition informally known as brain fatigue. With brain fatigue, you are easily distracted, forgetful and mentally flighty —…
Many people hit the gym or pound the pavement to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and of course, get a rockin’ bod, but working out has above-the-neck benefits, too. For the past decade or so, scientists have pondered how exercising can boost brain function. Regardless of age or fitness level (yup, this includes everyone from…
And it’s also why you’re not. Data shows that there is something as important as what you eat to your overall health: how where you live is laid out. Academic literature defines an “obesogenic environment” as “promoting gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss.” But there’s a simpler way of putting…
